MARK FYSH FROM WOOTTON SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN OXFORDSHIRE AND READING

In July 2019, Mark Fysh, a man known for his involvement in union activities and his advocacy for disabled individuals, was sentenced to a total of 30 months in prison following a conviction for serious sexual offenses. The court heard how Fysh, who was wheelchair-bound and had previously served as a Unison branch secretary for Oxfordshire, had committed acts of molestation and sexual assault against a teenage girl during the 1980s.

Fysh, aged 60 at the time of sentencing, had vehemently denied the allegations, claiming in court that he was disabled and therefore incapable of carrying out such acts. He argued that he suffered from a condition he described as 'buried penis,' which he claimed made spontaneous sexual acts impossible. Despite his assertions, a jury found him guilty of seven counts of indecent assault and two charges of indecency with a child, rejecting his defense.

The court proceedings revealed that Fysh had developed a troubling relationship with his victim, who was between 13 and 15 years old at the time. It was established that Fysh, who was well known in the community and had received recognition for his efforts to assist disabled people, had groomed the girl when she was at her most vulnerable. The victim’s parents knew Fysh, and he was often seen sitting with their daughter, watching television and cuddling her, especially during moments when she was emotionally fragile.

As the case progressed, it was detailed how Fysh’s interactions with the girl escalated over time. He would inappropriately touch her when he could and would sometimes take her upstairs to kiss her away from prying eyes. Prosecutor Charles Evans described the pattern of behavior, emphasizing that Fysh’s actions were frequent and that he would justify his conduct by suggesting he could face prison. The girl believed they were secretly a boyfriend and girlfriend, and she was reluctant to report Fysh’s behavior out of fear of getting him into trouble.

The most severe incident involved Fysh asking the girl to lie down on her bed after he had kissed her. He then proceeded to sexually abuse her, despite her clear discomfort and the significant age difference. The victim later described the profound and lasting impact of these events, stating that she now suffers from anxiety, depression, and nightmares. She revealed that it took her decades to confide in friends, her husband, and her family about the abuse, and that her mental health has been severely affected.

She recounted how her education was disrupted, leading to her failing her A-Levels, and how she experienced a breakdown at work, which resulted in losing her job. The trauma has also affected her personal life, making her feel unsafe in her own home and unable to watch news stories that might trigger memories of her abuse.

Judge Nigel Daly, presiding over the case at Reading Crown Court, sentenced Fysh to 15 months in prison, with the remaining half of his sentence to be served on licence. The judge highlighted the aggravating factors, including Fysh’s efforts to conceal his actions and the psychological harm inflicted on the victim. Fysh was brought into the courtroom via a specially adapted ramp, as he was wheelchair-bound, to hear his sentence and the court’s judgment on his conduct.